Outdoor play not only helps children stay physically fit, it also aids their emotional well-being, writes Chandrika Behl
Each generation laments the good old days the days gone by of a simpler time, a happier childhood and a safer neighbourhood. And while that nostalgia for the past will always remain, this current age brings with it a new and specific set of challenges when it comes to parenting.
Kids today, it seems, are born holding gadgets in their tiny hands just waiting to show their grandparents how to work the latest iPhone. Between that, and the severe academic pressure, as well as the overscheduling of their little lives shuttling between tennis camp, piano lessons, French class (Mandarin for the truly ambitious parent) there’s precious little time to just be.
Us lucky residents of Delhi further have to deal with the scorching summers, which limits outdoor play to a short window in the evenings, neighbourhood aunties banning kids running in the park, and that’s to say nothing of the horror of dengue or the air quality in our cities. It’s a painfully common sight to see these kids geared for the fight against dengue with their full sleeves, long pants, mosquito patches, and reeking of Odomos in 40-degree heat.
And yet it’s that outdoor play playing cricket in the streets, riding a bike, enjoying the swings in the park that is the fondest childhood memories for many of us. While the benefit of outdoor play in terms of better physical fitness is obvious, it’s important to note just how much it helps a child’s emotional well-being as well.
Studies show that children who go to playgrounds with their parents are generally happier in their family unit. Other studies have shown that children who experience plenty of time to play freely grow up to be more successful later in life.
Yet, our fast paced lives seem to have replaced playing in the park with screen-time for most kids. From a parent’s point of view, never have we had such a dependable and fool-proof babysitter as the iPad. And as tempting as it is after a long day’s work, or especially harrowing weekend, to let them just sit in front of the TV, or play Subway Surfer for the 100th time, we as parents have to fight that urge. After all, the park is the one place where kids can be messy, noisy, unruly, run freely, and just be children. It’s where they can marvel at finding a ladybug on the blade of a leaf, or learn how to maneuver a jungle gym, and, of course, have the chance to make that one neighbourhood pal who stays with you your whole life. This unstructured time provides the opportunity to explore, express creativity and be adventurous.
In large part, it was due to the frustration of not having many family-friendly activities easily available that we created the Krackerjack Karnival. In addition to festivals and carnivals, it’s important to expose children to heritage tours, help them discover the hidden history of your city, visit museums, encourage sports, spark their creativity with pretend play, but, most importantly, ensure that your kids get time for unstructured play.
Go for a nature walk and make a scrap book, let the kids get messy with some gardening, make a rope swing, climb a tree, and help them find that secret space in the park. Despite the demands on your kids’ time, make it a point to ensure they get out more. So, with the crisp winter air around the corner, let’s embrace the great outdoors with all they have to offer visit the zoo and plan those picnics now!
The writer is the Founder, Krackerjack Karnival & Project Director, Exhibitions India Group